Associates Degree. Was it worth it?

[XBoxNeo]

Are you trolling or are you really this f***ing dumb? This post is so f***ing r******d it had to take the short bus from your brain to your keyboard so you could post this dumb s***. IT jobs are alive and well and you can make mad bank doing them. Are there as many jobs in the sector as years ago no just like everything else times are tough but most small to medium to large company's have in house IT.

LOL, the problem here is that you are simply ignorant of the market. Non-programming (That is anyone who does anything from data entry to system administration work) IT is one of the fastest shrink areas of the job market. Simply because it grew so much between 1990 and 2010.

No SMB worth their salt still has an IT department. They outsourced it a decade ago. Their servers are all hosted remotely. I don't even think you could find a business insurance company that would insure a SMB for data loss that hadn't outsourced their AR.

Here in 2014, if you want a computer job, learn how to program.

 

[Videodrome]

wtf typo

Someone with Best Buy posted an opening for The Greek Squad.

Do I repair computers while making some tasty Gyros and Coneys?

 

[Videodrome]

Here in 2014, if you want a computer job, learn how to program.

Hey I'm open to that. I'm very interested in Python to start with.

For supposedly "Real IT Jobs" it's also possible I'd have to shift over to Atlanta. I do not believe I'm qualified for high-end jobs. However, Birmingham, AL is still growing and there are even small PC Repair shops around that I would happily work for to get experience.

Also, if I'm serious about the IT Security field, programming should be a big part of that to.

 

[Z A C K]

Hey I'm open to that. I'm very interested in Python to start with.

For supposedly "Real IT Jobs" it's also possible I'd have to shift over to Atlanta. I do not believe I'm qualified for high-end jobs. However, Birmingham, AL is still growing and there are even small PC Repair shops around that I would happily work for to get experience.

Also, if I'm serious about the IT Security field, programming should be a big part of that to.

Interesting choice of languages to start with. Any experience with other languages? Java?

 

[Videodrome]

I'm a Linux guy, so I've messed with Bash Shell scripting/programming. I think Python might even be easier when I get used to it.

I chose Python because a lot of Security people or even Hackers seem to favor it, though there are many who like Ruby. I just need to pick one and get started so I'm picking Python.

 

[Z A C K]

I'm a Linux guy, so I've messed with Bash Shell scripting/programming. I think Python might even be easier when I get used to it.

I chose Python because a lot of Security people or even Hackers seem to favor it, though there are many who like Ruby. I just need to pick one and get started so I'm picking Python.

That's cool. I've always wanted to try out Python. Back when I first started programming I made a text-based game in it but then never touched it again. I'm sure I could pick it up easily though.

 

[Vapor]

Associates degrees are in essence, no better than getting a degree from ITT Tech or an Art Institute. They're entry-level degrees. Most higher paying jobs out there are going to ask for a Bachelors or Masters preferred.

I have a BA in Advertising. I work for a general contractor in their in-house marketing department. I made it my goal to find a position in exactly what I wanted to do which is creative marketing/communications. Many of my colleagues with advertising degrees that graduated near my time didn't go out and seek exactly what they wanted, instead they just took the first thing that came across them thinking "get your foot in the door and move on to what you really want to do", doesn't work that way.

I have a friend that has a marketing degree, he has yet to do anything with it. He started working at Dell doing customer service taking computer orders over the phone, then moved to AT&T and became a call center supervisor, then a team leader for the call center, and now he's an account executive for AT&T wifi for a hotel client...still not doing a single thing with marketing. Sure, he's probably getting paid decent, and he seems to be climbing the positional ladder, but everytime he tries to get into the AT&T marketing department, he gets rejected. All of his experience is coming from call centers and tech support.

If you're wanting to work in IT and all you have is an associates, in my opinion, it's not going to get you very far. My IT department director has a masters in computer science. The lower level people have associates degrees, and who knows how long it will take them to ever get to a director position because they lack the degree.

Sounds like you want to work in cyber security, I suggest really going to a four-year college and getting a computer science degree (I assume that's applicable to what you want to do).

To those saying it's experience that counts and not the education...I question if you've job searched lately because for most business-related jobs whether it's sales, marketing, advertising, business development, and even tech-related jobs, they all want to see a four year degree and many of them are preferring the masters.

 

[Videodrome]

Unfortunately, I think many of those requirements are arbitrarily set by hiring managers or human resources types who don't even fully understand the jobs they're trying to fill. Especially for technical jobs.

As for higher education, I really need to think about it. I need to get some financial stability before I even consider piling on more student loan debt.

If I can build up savings, I would consider moving and working abroad if I can find more sane hiring standards or recognition for skills. I would need to build a damn good portfolio of experience and accomplishments though.

 

[Vapor]

Unfortunately, I think many of those requirements are arbitrarily set by hiring managers or human resources types who don't even fully understand the jobs they're trying to fill. Especially for technical jobs.

As for higher education, I really need to think about it. I need to get some financial stability before I even consider piling on more student loan debt.

If I can build up savings, I would consider moving and working abroad if I can find more sane hiring standards or recognition for skills. I would need to build a damn good portfolio of experience and accomplishments though.

It just depends. Some graphic designers don't need to have formal education to do a graphic designer's job, they just need to be very good at the programs and have the skills to design. However, I know many graphic designer positions that expect more from their designers than just knowing how to do fancy things in photoshop and illustrator. You need to have the strategic mindset of business and market. College taught me the basics but now that I have the degree, it has allowed me to earn a job in the industry that I wouldn't have been able to get without the degree.

I'm sure you could land a gig in the IT industry without the formal education, but to think if it would hurt you, I would disagree, it would benefit you greatly. I understand student loan debt though. I'm paying back $60K in student loan debt. One day, I hope to be making enough money to increase my payments and get it taken care off. I'm on a income-based repayment plan, it's all I can afford right now with my salary.

 

[Intellivision]

Degrees are always worth it (excluding PHDs). Can you succeed in this world without hat little tidbit on your resume? Of course. However the day will come when you will want as much education as possible.

I hire for IT jobs, and when I get a big stack of resumes, what do I do? I hand them off to a secretary and tell them to filter out all the people who don't have a bachelors degree. Is it fair? Heck no. That's how it works though. I mean, am I going to interview 100 people? Uhhhh...... no. I'm going to look for a way to thin the herd.

I know this is an IT job thread, but coming from a business background, it's all about formal education when it comes hiring people with no experience (new grad), or for people with little experience. It's totally different if someone has 10 years under their belt because by that time few HR or hiring managers care about that. it's all about experience and personality by then.

So IMO, the better education you have the better unless you know people right away who can score you interviews and jobs despite having little education or work experience.

In my last 3 companies, it's been the same thing..... the people who have been there for 10, 20 or 40(!) years can have a mix of formal and college drop out education. But for any new-ish hire who can't rely on 20 years of experience, every person has an undergrad university degree with many having MBAs. No college grads (in Canada, university is more theoretical degrees, college is more practical diplomas), no drop outs who are great smooth talkers, nothing but minimum university degrees for probably anyone 30 years old and younger.

 

[Variance]

Are you trolling or are you really this f***ing dumb? This post is so f***ing r******d it had to take the short bus from your brain to your keyboard so you could post this dumb s***. IT jobs are alive and well and you can make mad bank doing them. Are there as many jobs in the sector as years ago no just like everything else times are tough but most small to medium to large company's have in house IT.

And the teams used to run them are smaller. Automation killed off that those branches of the workhouse.

Ask Oracle, Qualcomm, HP, IBM, Intel, AMD and many others.

 

[Intellivision]

Are you trolling or are you really this f***ing dumb? This post is so f***ing r******d it had to take the short bus from your brain to your keyboard so you could post this dumb s***. IT jobs are alive and well and you can make mad bank doing them. Are there as many jobs in the sector as years ago no just like everything else times are tough but most small to medium to large company's have in house IT.

He does have a point. In the past two companies I've worked at (current and old), we've a had grand total of ONE IT guy at each place. And I've always worked at large multinational corporations. If something is wrong with a gadget and he can't figure out how to fix it in the next hour, he simply just orders us a new one, returns the old one to whomever and then he goes through a process for us to somehow have the new laptop or smartphone have all of our profiles, emails and such show up on the new one. He does back up our HDD before returning it so he can copy over our old folders onto our new laptop.

A good portion of IT issues (if it's software/access issues) are done through online IT tickets where the solution comes from either a US team or from some place from India which I can barely understand the person if I have to speak with them on the phone.

 

[BraddersTheDog]

Well.... I am thinking of applying to The Geek Squad. I think that is a fair entry level position for an Associates Degree. I certainly don't expect to walk into IBM or AT&T and get a high level. I don't even expect to Pen-Test until I build up experience and credibility.

I guess I was mostly venting that I think my college did a lousy job providing students with practical experience to get into the field. They followed this pervasive Teach-To-The-Test model prepping us for Certification Exams that most full-time students are to broke to afford.

BraddersTheDog

I thought the Baron was just into politics. I didn't realize he was big in IT unless he just sets policy standards for techs to follow and implement.

Pretty sure he's into IT security at a high level. I might be wrong though, it did happen once before.

 

[Kerosene31]

I know this is an IT job thread, but coming from a business background, it's all about formal education when it comes hiring people with no experience (new grad), or for people with little experience. It's totally different if someone has 10 years under their belt because by that time few HR or hiring managers care about that. it's all about experience and personality by then.

Every job I've ever hired for had some arbitrary degree requirement on it. As I said, not fair, but that's how the system works in many companies.

Plus, what do you do down the road when all your employees under you have a better degree? You must work for a really progressive company for that not to be an issue.

It is far from impossible, but most people will bump into issues without a degree, unless they are self-employed or doing contract work, etc.

In this garbage economy, I recommend not limiting your options if at all possible. Get as much education as you can when you are young. It gets way harder to go back when you are in your 30s+ with a spouse, kids, etc.

 

[Videodrome]

In this garbage economy, I recommend not limiting your options if at all possible. Get as much education as you can when you are young. It gets way harder to go back when you are in your 30s+ with a spouse, kids, etc.

Well...... I'm almost 38. Haven't started a family though so I'm flexible.

I haven't ruled out more college entirely, but I'm putting a higher priority on Certifications.

 

[D-V-ANT]

Hey I'm open to that. I'm very interested in Python to start with.

For supposedly "Real IT Jobs" it's also possible I'd have to shift over to Atlanta. I do not believe I'm qualified for high-end jobs. However, Birmingham, AL is still growing and there are even small PC Repair shops around that I would happily work for to get experience.

Also, if I'm serious about the IT Security field, programming should be a big part of that to.

Python is an excellent language to learn if you're looking at IT admin as career. Java is good to understand but only really worth doing seriously if you're looking at a development.

 

[Kerosene31]

Well...... I'm almost 38. Haven't started a family though so I'm flexible.

I haven't ruled out more college entirely, but I'm putting a higher priority on Certifications.

Certs are fantastic to get... the issue is 10 years ahead. What if you want to stop being the tech guy and move into management? The problem is you either get stuck at a single salary or you get let go once you make too much and the next person comes in and will do your job for less.

If you want to stay on the tech side the rest of your career, certs will probably be fine. You've got a lot less time to go so thinking a little shorter term is ok.

 

[Videodrome]

Certs are fantastic to get... the issue is 10 years ahead. What if you want to stop being the tech guy and move into management? The problem is you either get stuck at a single salary or you get let go once you make too much and the next person comes in and will do your job for less.

If you want to stay on the tech side the rest of your career, certs will probably be fine. You've got a lot less time to go so thinking a little shorter term is ok.

The other issue is money and time, which I don't have. I have a pile of debt to start dealing with.

One possible long term plan is I build up savings somehow and move to Atlanta or look farther to Texas to relocate and find Server Admin type jobs. The worst that could happen is I work for an outfit like Hostgator.

If I work my way up to a high paying job that knocks out my debts, than I'll look into further education.

Otherwise, I have to admit the idea of being a paper pusher Manager makes me want to barf in my mouth. Even if it pays more. I just imagine it would take me away from working on equipment to typing up Policy documents and running meetings.

 

[Kerosene31]

Yeah, at your age it is different. I started in IT at 20 and have been the tech guy ever since (pushing 40 now).

I'm kind of at that point where I don't mind my job, but more money would be nice. Not sure if I could be the guy that tells others what to do... I'd probably just micromanage or do things myself.

There's also project management, which can be interesting.

I guess the whole point is to just keep your entire career in mind. If you can't go and/or it doesn't make sense, that's perfectly fine.

 

[BearHuntr]

Sounds like some of us are very similar. I'm 39, don't have a degree, but have almost 20 years of experience in IT work. I primarily do Systems Engineer work now with a focus on VMware. I also do Windows, Linux, and Storage work as well. I have never wanted to move into management as I have seen too many people go that route and completely regret it and it's really not for me. I hope to stay technical as long as I can. I think that my career may shift into becoming an Infrastructure Architect eventually, but it's hard to say where things will go. I've been focusing on certs the past few years as well, mostly in VMware, but also Microsoft stuff soon too. I may finish up my bachelor's degree someday, but to be honest, it hasn't felt necessary in my career.

 

[morfeeis]

Dude, I know a girl with a Masters who's stuck working at a library. A lot of people are having trouble finding work, even with degrees out the ass. And I think it's only going to get worse.

A masters in what? if you're dumb enough to pay 100k+ for a degree and not see if there is a market for it then you deserve to be poor.

 

[morfeeis]

I know a woman that went to a community college on a 2 year degree as a paralegal and got a job with a lawyer locally. She makes 5 figures ayear. I know that doesnt seem like much, but atleast shes not in a factory making 20 grand a year on an assembly line.

that's 10,000

 

[morfeeis]

I wish I could say an ass degree was worth more than your standard HS diploma, but unfortunately the only difference is the ass degree will cost you money and lots of it.

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

 

[Bubba T]

A masters in what? if you're dumb enough to pay 100k+ for a degree and not see if there is a market for it then you deserve to be poor.

100k is exaggerated. Very few have that kind of debt unless they are in medical or law school.

 

[Z A C K]

100k is exaggerated. Very few have that kind of debt unless they are in medical or law school.

If you don't go to a state school I could see it being that high for a masters. I went to a state school for 4 years for a bachelors and even though I had about $5,000 per semester in scholarships, I still owed around $40k when I graduated. I could easily see someone at a bigger school there for 6 or so years being around $100k.

 

[Bubba T]

If you don't go to a state school I could see it being that high for a masters. I went to a state school for 4 years for a bachelors and even though I had about $5,000 per semester in scholarships, I still owed around $40k when I graduated. I could easily see someone at a bigger school there for 6 or so years being around $100k.

Sure, this can be the case if one attends a expensive private school with a crappy financial aid package, forcing you to either go someplace else or take out the max loan just to obtain a non STEM degree. As much as it is sensationalized in the news, that kind of debt for a non STEM major just doesn't happen unless you are incredibly stupid.